MLB Player News

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Monday that Sale (elbow) continues to increase the intensity and length of his throwing sessions as he progresses toward rejoining the starting rotation sometime this summer, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The veteran southpaw will continue to eye an early-to-mid-summer return from Tommy John surgery. Bloom's update doesn't necessarily provide a lot of information as far as a specific return date, but it does indicate that things are continuing to go well as far as the rehab process is concerned.

Irvin (3-7) allowed four runs on six hits over six innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Angels.

Despite the unsightly line, Irvin was decent for most of his outing Sunday. All four runs allowed came during a brutal second inning, including a solo home run by Jared Walsh and a two-run double by David Fletcher. His ERA jumped to 4.12 as he took a loss for the third straight start and fourth in his last five appearances. Irvin is lined up to start in Colorado next weekend.

Luzardo struck out one batter during a perfect inning of work in Sunday's loss to the Angels.

Luzardo made his first appearance since May 1 after being activated from the injured list Sunday. The 23-year-old southpaw needed just eight pitches to get through a perfect ninth inning. He owns a 5.59 ERA through 29 innings this season.

Kikuchi (3-3) allowed two runs on three hits and walk over 6.2 innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over the Rangers.

Kikuchi cruised through six shutout innings before coughing up a two-run blast to Joey Gallo in the seventh. Still, it was enough for the 29-year-old to earn his second straight win. He now owns a 3.88 ERA and a 61:20 K:BB through 62.2 innings this season. Kikuchi is projected to face the Angels on the road next weekend.

Matz started Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against Cleveland and didn't factor into the decision, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits with four strikeouts in a 6-5 loss.

Matz was cruising with a no-hitter through five innings but ran into trouble in the sixth, allowing three straight base hits following a leadoff error before being removed. All four runs eventually scored to put a damper on an excellent game through five innings. The lefty now has a 4.22 ERA and lines up to tentatively face Houston at home next Sunday.

Skubal (2-7) earned the win Sunday against the Yankees after tossing six scoreless innings, giving up three hits and three walks while striking out eight.

Skubal clinched his second win of the campaign in dominant fashion, as he recorded his first quality start of the season while also fanning at least eight for the fourth time over his last five appearances. Skubal owns a 39:9 K:BB over that five-game stretch during the current month and will try to keep things going in his next start, scheduled for next week against the White Sox on the road.

Quintana was removed from Sunday's start against the Athletics due to shoulder discomfort, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Quintana only lasted three innings Sunday, and he allowed two unearned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out five. Manager Joe Maddon said after the game that Quintana will be examined to determine the extent of the issue. Quintana tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Mariners on Sunday, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to pitch.

Civale (7-2) was tagged with the loss Sunday against the Blue Jays after giving up four runs on 10 hits and a walk while fanning one across six innings.

Civale has suffered his two losses over his last four appearances and has given up at least four runs both times, though it's worth mentioning that the 10 hits he gave up in this one are a season-worst mark for the 25-year-old. The right-hander will try to bounce back in his next start, scheduled for next Saturday against the Orioles on the road.

Stripling (1-3) earned the win Sunday against Cleveland after tossing five innings of one-run ball, giving up two hits and a walk while fanning three.

Stripling earned his first win of the campaign and has looked outstanding over his last two starts, allowing just one earned run across his last 12 innings of work -- posting a 10:3 K:BB in that span. The right-hander is expected to take the mound next Sunday at home against the Astros.

Keller (5-4) allowed three runs on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings in a win over Minnesota on Sunday.

The right-hander continues to put too many batters on base, but Kansas City's offense outscored his struggles Sunday. Keller has won three of his last four starts. He's posted a 5.68 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 46:25 K:BB across 50.2 innings in 11 starts this season. The 25-year-old projects for a rematch with Minnesota in next weekend's series.